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[Entered as second-class matter October 13, 1904, at the Post-office
Mountain View, Cal., under the Act of Congress of March 3;
No. 77
Mountain View, Cal., July, 1914
5 Cts.
Pacific Press Publishing Association
SECOND
EPISTLE
OF
.
PETER
SENIOR DIVISION
THIRD QUARTER, 1914
JULY TO SEPTEMBER
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Extracts from a Lecture Given by Elder I.
H.
Evans, at a Union Conference Meeting at
Oakland, California, March 18, 1914
. Getting Our People to Work
"I believe that the revival in our churches will come
about when our churches get to work for others. I be-
lieve there will be a new order . of things in our• midst
When all our churches get to work for somebody else
besides themselves. . . .
"Every church-inember with territory; every one with
a plan; every Seventh-day Adventist resolved to bring a
soul to Christ. Let us set ourselves at it with determi-
nation."
Circulation of the "Signs of the Times "
"I do not know of one other thing that we can set our-
selves to as an organization that will bring such results
in the kingdom of God as will the taking hold of the
circulation of the
Signs of the Times. . . .
"Now the people say: 'What shall we do? Tell us what
is the best thing to do.' I do not know of anything better
for our people to do than to take hold of the circulation
of the
Signs of the Times. . . .
"I do not know how a man can use $1.75 in any better
way, to accomplish any better work, than to take a copy
of the
Signs of the Times
and let the people read it. I
believe it would come as near getting the third angel's
message into the homes and into the hearts of the people
as anything we can do."
Single subscription, one year
$1.75
Single subscription, six months
.90
Five or
more
copies to one address, six months, each
.60
Five or more copies to separate addresses, six months, each
.65
Order of your tract society.
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sabbath
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Read in "Desire of Ages," pages
138 and 139, noting especially
what is said of Simon
Naming of Simon Peter
The first step
Progress toward conversion
Heart-broken; follow Me
Victory; long-suffering
Review the entire lesson
Ques. 1-7;
note 1
Ques. 8-11;
notes 2, 3
fines. 12-17;
note 4
Ques. 18-22
Ques. 23-25;
note 5
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS
ON THE
SECOND EPISTLE OF PETER
SENIOR DIVISION
THIRD QUARTER, 1914
LESSON I — Simon Peter
JULY
4,
1
9
1
4
Introductory Study
Questions
1.
Who was the writer of the second epistle of Peter?
2
Peter I : 1. Note 1.
2.
What does he name himself in the first epistle?
I Peter 1: 1.
3.
How does he describe himself in the first epistle?
Same verse. In the second?
2
Peter
1: 1.
4.
What do these modes of naming himself seem to
4
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
suggest ?
Ans.—
That in the first epistle he thinks of
himself as Peter an apostle ; in the second, written shortly
before his death, he thinks of himself first of all as a
servant of Christ, then as an apostle.
•
5.
What was his birth name? John 1 : 41.
6.
How did he get the name Peter? Verse 42.
7.
What is the meaning of the name Peter?
A stone.
8.
What incident occurred early in Simon's acquaint-
ance with Jesus ? Luke 5 :
I.
9.
What was his first step in Christian experience?
Verses 5, 8, II. Note
2.
IO.
What strong stand for Christ did Peter take later,
when men were doubting Him? Matt. 16: 13-16. Note 3.
II. How did Jesus respond? Verse 17.
12.
Was Peter yet fully the Lord's?
Ans.—
No; for
shortly afterward the spirit in him was rebuked in the
severest language ever used to any disciple, not excepting
Judas. See verse 23.
13.
What special privilege did Peter enjoy soon after-
ward? Matt. 17 : 1-5.
14.
What did Jesus say to Peter long afterward?
Luke 22 : 31.
15.
Was Peter yet fully converted? Verse 32.
16.
How did Peter respond to the Lord's assurance
that Satan should not have him? Verse 33. Note 4.
17.
How did Jesus warn Peter after this confident
declaration ? Verse 34.
18.
In what gentle way did the Lord rebuke Peter after
his third denial ? Verse 61.
19.
How did this affect Peter? Verse
62.
20.
What threefold question did Jesus ask Peter after
the resurrection? What threefold commission did He
give him ? John
21 : 15-17.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
5
21.
What were Jesus' last recorded words to Peter?
Verse
22,
last part.
22.
What had been among His first words to Peter?
Matt. 4: i8, 19.
23.
Mention some instances which show that Peter
heeded his Master's bidding. See Acts 2-5, Jo, 12.
24.
What could Peter, out, of a full experience, _ex-
hort believers to account salvation ?
2
Peter 3 : 15, first
part.
25.
Why does the Lord exercise long-suffering toward
all, as He did to Peter? Verse 9. Note 5.
Notes
1.
Observe in all the epistles of the New Testament, except
those of John, the custom of the writer's announcing his identity
at the beginning of the epistle rather than at the close, as we do
now. Even John does the same in the book of Revelation.
2.
Simon's step was a threefold one:
(a)
his adopting, as a
principle of action, "At Thy word";
(b)
his repentance and con-
fession of sin;
(c)
his forsaking all, especially his bright busi-
ness prospects, and following Jesus.
3.
For Simon to say directly and boldly; "Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God," meant much when Jesus was scoffed
at by the religious leaders of the people as an impostor. No
other such declaration is recorded during the life of Christ on
earth, except the announcement by John the Baptist. That
Simon was advancing in divine life is attested by Jesus' an-
swer in verse 17.
4.
Simon doubtless made this declaration sincerely. Though
he failed to live up to it during his discipleship, yet during his
apostleship it was fulfilled to the letter. That he should feel
and express such whole-hearted consecration, marks an advance
step in his Christian experience, despite the fact that he was not
ready for so severe a test.
5.
It is hoped that this brief survey of
the
struggles, failures,
and final triumph of a "sinful man" will be an encouragement
to every one who has responded to the call, "Follow Me," and
that the name
Simon Peter
will ever be to the student of this
lesson a reminder of the tenderness and patient forbearance of
a compassionate Saviour.
6
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
I
LESSON
Christian. Growth
JuLv , J9T4 ?
a, 3 -
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
,Sabbath
i
t
Sunday
2-
Monday j
Tuesday
1
(
Wednesday/
4
'
/
Thursday
6
Friday
7
(
___/ ;.
map
Read the entlre„lesson scripture
•
Beware and grow
Ctues.
,Faith; grace and peace
Christian addition
Elements of growth
Reward of diligence
Review
the ewe lesson
1-3;
notes-1-3-
hues. 4-0;
noten,4„,9
(Ines. 7, S;
0
hues. 9, 10;
antes 7,-S
fames. 11-14;
note-9.
LESSON SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter
.I:
Questions
i. What are the two key words to the second epistle
of Peter?
2
Peter 3: 17, i8. Note I.
2.
What is the theme of. chapter i in Peter's second
epistle? •
Ails.—
Christian growth. (Read the chapter
through, noting, the terms "multiplied," "add," "beside
this," "abound," "give diligence.") Note 2.
3.
What is the surest means of Christian growth and
of protection against being deceived by false teachings?
2
Peter 3:
2.
Note 3.
4, To whom is this second epistle addressed?
2
Peter 1: I.
5.
How is this "precious faith" obtained? Verse I,
last part. Note 4.
6.
How are grace and peace multiplied ? Verse
2.
Note 5.
7.
What is the measure of experimental knowledge
God would have us gain? Verse 3. Note 6.
8.
What is the twofold object of these wonderful
gifts of divine power and precious promises? Verse 4.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
7
9. After full reconciliation to God is obtained by the
believer, as outlined in verses 1-4, what becomes the
Christian's occupation ? Verses 5-7. Note 7.
1o. Note carefully the elements of growth in Christian
character. Note 8.
What is the result of having these things-"abound"
(literally,
increase)
in us? Verse 8.
12.
What is the woful state of one who lacks these
things? Verse 9.
13.
To what should the believer give diligence? Why?
Verse HD.
14.
What shall be added as the fruit of faithfulness?
Verse i 1. Note 9.
Notes
I. In Peter's own summary at the conclusion of this epistle
are clearly seen the key words to the twofold burden that called
it forth : "beware" and "grow"; in other words,
warning
and
exhortation.
In dealing with the two, Peter puts exhortation
first — first in order and first in importance.
2.
Peter's Christian experience had beeri an intense one. More
than any other of the disciples, perhaps, he had gone to the
extreme of failure at the crisis of his Master's humiliation.
Now that his work is about done, Peter feels especially anxious
that after his death the believers shall continue to grow in ex-
perimental, knowledge of God.
3.
In 2 Peter 3: 2, Peter sums up what he has amplified in
chapter 1 — that the means of Christian growth is the diligent
study of the Word, both prophetic and practical, in order to
keep fresh in mind the "exceeding great and precious promises"
(2 Peter I : 4), making them a basis for cultivating the Chris-
tian virtues.
4.
According to the margin, the original, and other scriptures,
Jesus is both God (John I : I) and Saviour (Matt. I :
2I ;
Luke
: I I) ; He is also Son of man (Acts
7 :
55, 56) and Mediator
(Heb. 9: 13-15). It is the righteousness and vicarious work of
such a being that form the basis of faith, the most precious
possession of the believer.
5.
It is safe to say that the only reason there is a sinner. in
the world to-day is because he does not know God and Jesus
our Lord ; for really to know the love of God — experimentally,
8
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
as most Scripture terms mean —and to know in the same way
the sacrifice and ministry of Jesus, is declared to be eternal life.
John 17: 3. "My grace is sufficient for thee," declared Jesus to
Paul in a crisis of the latter's experience — sufficient for every
need. The only way to grow in grace is to avail ourselves of it
every time we are under temptation or failure. The experience
of grace applied brings peace, and "grace upon grace" (John
1: 16, A. R. V., margin) leads on to "perfect peace" (Isa. 26 : 3).
6.
The word "knowledge" used in verses 2 and 3 is a com-
pound of the simple form used in verses 5 and 6. It denotes
thorough knowledge,
knowing a thing as it really is. It implies
expanding, added knowledge, and may properly be rendered here
"knowledge upon knowledge," until it includes "all things that
pertain unto life and godliness."
7.
It should be noted here that after the sinner has been rec-
onciled to God and has made every known adjustment with his
neighbor, his Christian life has only begun. The seed of faith
has 'been merely planted ; he must now cultivate the plant dili-
gently. He has merely cleared the obstructions to advancement
in the strait and narrow way. He has only laid the foundation
of the spiritual temple for God's indwelling; he must now work
at his own profession and build with "all diligence."
8.
FAITH: belief to the saving of the soul. Heb. lo: 39.
VIRTUE: habitual purity of thought and action ("My strength
is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure") ; and un-
wavering courage, lacking in Peter's early experience.
KNOWLEDGE: faith and virtue without enlightenment are like
steam in the boiler of an engine without the intelligent hand to
direct it in effective service. "My people are destroyed for lack
of knowledge." "Fools hate knowledge."
TEMPERANCE
:
self-control. Besides the steam and the engi-
neer, the engine must have its "governor" to regulate its action.
The acquisition of knowledge must not become an uncurbed pas-
sion; its proper
use
is what tells. Self-control in all things —
to the extent of non-indulgence in hurtful practises, and of mod-
eration in good ones.
PATIENCE: endurance. "Not weary in well-doing." It is not
enough to pursue virtue, knowledge, and temperance for a time,
or spasmodically; it must be a continuous endurance of hardness,
and perseverance in well-doing.
GODLINESS
:
literally, reverence toward God, spiritual-minded-
ness. Unbelievers often cultivate patience, temperance, knowl-
edge, and virtue, to serve some sordid end —of gain, of popu-
larity, of office. The believer's cultivation of these graces must
have in it the spiritual mind, the unselfish motive — of honor
to God and blessing to his neighbor.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
9
BROTHERLY KINDNESS
:
literally, brotherly love. Disinterested
kindness and loving service to a brother, a friend, a neighbor,
an enemy, is one of the highest practical tests of love to God.
The keeping of the last six commandments is the natural fruit-
age of keeping the first four.
CHARITY
:
love. The keeping of all the commandments — the
result of developing the previous seven graces of character.
The virtues enumerated here are often called "Peter's ladder,"
and very properly. But a still more fitting conception would- be
"Peter's rainbow," the first seven, representing the seven colors
of the rainbow, blending into the last one, representing the rain-
bow as a whole — love. Or compare them to the seven prismatic
colors composing white light.
9. The word "ministered" in verse
II
is the same word that is
rendered "add" in verse. 5. Observe the parallel: if through dili-
gence we
add abundantly
to our faith by developing the sturdy
elements of Christian character, there shall be
added
to us what
we can not add—an
abundant
entrance into the everlasting
kingdom.
LESSON „UT
—
Remembrance and Surety
JULY 1-8F7
-
191-4
/ 2,
5
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sabbath
/
Sunday
2,
/
Monday
..
3
/
Tuesday
4/
;
Wednesday,
/Thursday
6
Friday
7
Read the lesson scripture
Peter's sense of duty;
danger of slipping
Reasons for earnestness
Value of personal experience
Surety of prophecy
VV hy prophecy is sure
Review the egtere lesson
(Lima. 1-3
hues. 4-6;
—note 1—
gum 7-9
glues. 10-12;
atoteer2;3•"
(Wes. 13-15;
pates 4, 5—
LESSON SCRIPTURE : 2
Peter 1: 12-21
Questions
i. As pastor over the flock which he had been thrice
commanded to feed (John
21 :
15-17), what duty was
Peter determined not to neglect?
2
Peter
I : 12.
10
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
To what class did he feel he owed this duty?
Verse
12,
last part.
3.
What obligation is enjoined upon the believers
themselves ? Heb.
2 : I.
4.
How long did Peter purpose to stir up the believ-
ers ?
2
Peter 1:13. Note 1.
5.
Not satisfied to have his influence stop even at his
death, to what end did Peter labor?
6.
What reason does he give for his earnestness?
Verse 16.
7.
Do we treat the truth committed to us at this time
as fables to be enjoyed, or as a solemn message given to
stir men's hearts to repentance and steadfastness?
8.
What assurance does Peter give the believers, that
he is not misleading them? Verse 16, last part, and verse
' 17. See Matt. 17: 1-9.
9.
What other personal evidence than that of the eye
does he give ?
2
Peter I : 18.
1o. To what does he point as the surest of all testi-
mony ? Verse 19, first part. Note'
2.
I I. To what is prophecy compared ? Verse 19. , Note 3.
12.
How long are, we to give heed to the prophetic
word? Verse 19, latter part.
13.
What assurance is given us about the origin of
prophecy ? Verse zo. Note 4.
14.
How did prophecy not come? Verse
21,
first part.
15.
How did it come? Verse
21,
last pirt. Note 5.
Notes
•
1. Here was a faithful preacher who was determined to "die in
the harness," even though he probably understood that his end
would come by violence. 2 Peter : 14; John 21: 18, lg. His
guiding principle had been, "We ought to obey God. rather than
men"; and his only apology for continuing to preach Christ,
even when forbidden by civil authority, was, "We can not but
speak the things which we have seen and heard."
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
11
2.
This passage is sometimes interpreted to mean, We have
the word of prophecy made more sure by the witness of the eye
and the ear. But it reads literally thus :
And we have more sure
the prophetic word.
This reading, and the additional fact that
Peter lays the emphasis on taking heed to the prophecy rather
than depending on his personal testimony, and supports his
exhortation by showing how prophecy came, seem sufficient to
justify our interpreting the passage thus: And we have,' as a
more sure testimony than that of one who had seen the trans-
figuration and heard the voice, the prophetic word. The angel
of the annunciation quoted prophecy; Simeon was waiting for
its fulfilment when he recognized the child Jesus; and Peter
himself had depended largely upon prophecy in interpreting the
meaning of Pentecost.
3.
We can appreciate the force of this figure when we consider
how great a light prophecy sheds on present-day events which
without it would be as dark to believers as to unbelievers.
4.
That this verse deals with the origin of prophecy rather
than its interpretation, seems evident from the connection and
from a closer reading of the language used. Peter has just been
affirming that he had not taught the believers "cunningly devised
fables"— something that he or some other man had made up —
but like John he declared what he saw and what he heard of the
word of life. But, he continues, there is something still more
sure as a basis for the believer'S faith—the prophetic word.
This is reliable because, as verse 20 reads more literally, "No
prophecy of Scripture comes on its own initiative"— it does not
evolve itself. Nor was it brought forth by the will of man
(verse 21, R. V., margin), but the men who wrote it spoke as
they were
moved by the Holy Spirit.
This leaves no room for
human devising, and does not depend upon personal testimony
alone.
5.
The fulfilment of prophecy is like an anchor to the believer.
When he is tempted to doubt the true nature of some of his
personal experiences, or the certainty of God's word applying to
his individual case, the surety of prophecy strengthens his faith
in God's "precious promises" to him personally.
12
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON ..W— Warnings and Safety Measures
/
9
z_
3
JULY
2-5;1914
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sabbath
I
Sunday
2
.
,
Monday
3
Tuesday
ti
Wednesdayi
Thursday
6
Friday
2
Read the lesson scripture
False teachers;
their work and end
Examples to the ungodly
Justice of God
Christian purity
Remedies for presumption
Review the ee lesson
Ques. 1-5;
-amtea.1„.2..,
Ques. 6-9;
,
note-2-
Ctues. 10-12
Ques.
li-15;
-note4-
Ques. 16-18;
-note-5—
LESSON SCRIPTURE: 2
Peter
2: I-II
Questions
1.
Against what class does Peter give warning?
2
Peter 2: I, first part.
2.
What is the method of such teachers? What is the
character of their teaching? How does it react upon
themselves ? Verse 1, last part. Note I.
3.
What influence do their teachings have? What is
the result of their course? Verse
2.
4.
What motive actuates these false teachers? What
is their stock in trade? Verse 3, first part. Note
2.
5.
What end is awaiting such teachers ? Verse 3, last
part.
6.
What is the earliest example of God's dealing with
persistent teachers of heresy ? Verse 4.
7.
How did God deal justice to unrepentant sinners in
the time of Noah? Verse 5.
8.
What example of the end of the ungodly did God
give in the days of Lot? Verse 6.
9.
What extraordinary measures, when necessary, will
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
13
the Lord take to deliver those who remain loyal to Him
amid great wickedness ? Verses 5-8. See Genesis, chap-
ters 6 and 19. Note 3.
1o. What general declaration is made about the Lord's
dealing with men?
2
Peter
2 :
9. Recall in this con-
nection some of Peter's own deliverances.
1. What two classes of sin are especially offetisive to
God? Verse io, first part.
12.
After faith has wrought reconciliation of the sin-
ner to God, what is the first Christian grace to be culti-
vated? i Peter i : 5. Read note 7 in lesson 2. Com-
pare James 3: 17.
13.
What watchword does Paul give to Timothy as an
example for all young men and women? i Tim. 5 :
22,
last part.
14.
What is one effective way of cultivating purity?
Phil. 4:8. Note 4.
15.
What standard of purity is set before the believer?
John 3: 3.
16.
What traits are prominent in despisers of govern-
ment?
2
Peter
2: Do,
last part.
17.
What shows that such persons boldly venture upon
ground where angels fear to tread? Verse II.
i8. What will save the believer from getting into such
a state ? James 4 : 6, 7 ; Eph. 5 :
21 ;
I Peter 2 13-17.
Note 5.
Notes
1.
As the defection among
-
the angels in heaven, headed by
Lucifer, was at first carried on by secret insinuations and covert
motives, so these false teachers do their work "privily." The
true follower of Jesus should ever be on his guard against sly
suggestions. "confidential" tales, and skeptical intimations; for
what looks innocent at first often leads to serious
consequences,
even to
shipwreck of faith.
2.
Two things are characteristic of false teachers: they speak
evil of the way of truth in which they once walked, and they
14
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
do their evil work among the believers, beguiling unstable souls,
and making merchandise of them to their own ends. "From
such turn away."
3.
The Lord saved Noah because he was "a just man," "per-
fect in his generation," and because he "walked with God." But
Lot, for the sake of sordid gain, pitched his tent in the cities
of the plain, dwelling among men who were "wicked and sinners
before the Lord exceedingly." All but two of his daughters
married
-
Sodomites and perished with them. Yet the Lord, at
the earnest entreaties of Abraham, five times repeated, saved Lot
by the extreme measure of sending two angels to his house, who
finally had to lay hands on him and draw him out of destruction.
4.
For the one who is afflicted with impure, unwholesome
thoughts, this is a gospel and psychological remedy — keep the
mind dwelling upon such wholesome, uplifting things as are
enumerated in this verse. "As a man thinketh in his heart,
so is he."
5.
Here are three steps, given in logical order, which if taken
will keep a man from becoming a despiser of government or of
good organization of any kind : T. Submit to God. 2. Submit
to one another in the fear of God. 3. Submit to every ordinance
of man for the Lord's sake.
LESSON
Warnings and Safety Measures
(Continued)
L‘J-1
1-
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
t
Sabbath
/
/
Sunday
2-
i
Monday
..
I
Tuesday
14-
Wednesday
,
)
/
\
i
'Thus day
i:,
/Friday
7
Read the lesson scripture
Faultfinders and critics
Departing from the faith
In bondage to sin
Turning
Turning back to sin
Hold fast to the end
Review the 0,44we lesson
.
Rues. 1-3;
,tietes-1,-2-
Ques. 4, 5;
note 3
Ques. 6-0;
itote-4—
Ques. 10-12;
note-.5-•
Ques. 13
LESSON SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2: 12-22
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
15
, Questions
i. What practise is common to faultfinders and crit-
ics?
2
Peter
2: 12,
first part. Note i.
2.
What is the result of such a practise? Verse
12,
last part.
3.
Whose reward shall they receive? Verse 13, first
part. Note
2.
4.
How is this class of evil-doers further described?
Verse 13, last half, and verse 14. Note 3.
5.
What have false teachers forsaken, and oftentimes
from what motive? Verses 15, 16.
6.
Under what figures are false teachers further de-
scribed? Verse 17.
7.
What is the nature of their work ?" Verse i8.
8.
What vain promise do they make? Verse i9, first
part.
9.
Why is their promise vain? Verse 19, last part.
Note 4.
to. What does Peter say of those who "have escaped
the pollutions of the world," then afterward "have for-
saken the right way" and sunk again into sin? Verse
20.
Note 5.
i
i. By what homely but striking proverbs does Peter
describe the condition of one who has returned to a
life of sin? Verse
22.
12.
What would have been better for these who have
turned from such great light? Verse
21.
13.
What is the best course for us all? Heb. 3: 12-14.
Notes
r. "Speak evil of the things that they understand not." Here
is the key to a large amount of mischief-making,— people speak-
ing against a thing on first impression, or without sufficient
knowledge of it to base a judgment upon. If persons of critical
temperament, in fact if all Christians everywhere, would adopt
the principle of not commenting upon a thing, especially to make
16
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
slighting remarks about it, until they understand it fully, with
the reasons for it, how 'many evil results would be avoided!
2.
The cover of night is usually sought for evil excesses of
all kinds. When people come to the place where they find
pleasure in such indulgences" in the daytime, it indicates a repro-
bate condition. The reward of such is no worse than the reward
of false teachers, according to the severe arraignment of them
in this chapter.
3.
It is "unstable souls" that are drawn into the vortex of sin.
How important, then, to give all diligence to building solid ele-
ments of stability into the character, according to the outline in
"Peter's rainbow" of character in chapter 1.
4.
The greatest bondage the world has ever known — the
bondage of sin —originated in the despising of government, and
the vain promise of liberty, resulting in the final destruction of
the participants in the rebellion against God, and of all who
have joined it since. Beware of those who wear a cloak of
liberty to conceal their maliciousness. See I Peter
2: 15.
5.
That there is added responsibility in a knowledge of the
truth, is no excuse for a man to avoid learning more of it. He
is held as responsible for his opportunities to know as for his
actual knowledge.
LESSON 71
-
- Surety of the Lord's Promises
f.t,/ /9
3
AUGUST" 1914
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sabbath
/
Sunday
2-
Monday
3
Tuesday
It
Wednesday)
Thursday t
Friday
7
Read the lesson scripture
Mindful of the Word
Scoffers in the last days
The ignorance of scoffers
Know the Lord
Duties of the believer
Review
the
ezatte lesson
Ques. 1-3
Ques. 4-7;
notes-1
Ques. 8-11;
noteA
,,
Ques. 12-16;
notes-4.6..
Ques. 17-20
LESSON SCRIPTURE: 2
Peter 3: 5-9
18
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
17.
Is there any doubt.thaf the Lord will come accord-
ing. to His promise ? Heb. Io : 37.
18.
What is our duty meanwhile? Matt. 24: 42.
19.
What difference will finally be made between the
believer and the unbeliever? Verses 4o, 41.
zo. For what special reason should we be watchful and
ready:?. .Verse 44.
. Notes
t. "Walking after their own lusts" is the one cause above all
others, perhaps, that produces scoffers. Believers depart from
the faith because they are not willing to surrender all their de-
sires to be pruned away by the "two-edged sword." These find
a kind of satisfaction in turning upon (heir former brethren and
scoffing at their "narrow," "deluded" faith and practise. Both
this class and -unbelievers make the near coming of Christ the
butt of their ridicule. A pricking conscience seeks to obtain
soothing by mocking at the conscientious.
2.
The strongest argument of last-day scoffers in their
minds — is that "all things continue as they were from the be-
ginning of the creation." Thus it seems to the casual observer,
as he looks out on a perfect day, at the clear blue sky, the beau-
tiful trees and flowers, the /terry birds and children, and as he
looks further upon the wonderful progress in the arts and
sciences and the spread of knowledge. Yet these fail to look
upon the signs the Saviour said should appear in the heavens,
the sea,-and the things of nature-and experience about us. It
is only the light of the Word, as Peter goes on to show, that
will enable us to interpret correctly the external, material signs
given us, in addition to prophetic periods, as evidence of Christ's
soon coming.
3.
The ignorance of scoffers at all 'times shows that they do
not receive nor study the, word of God. They therefore 'do not
know the power of that Word, nor' the part it acts in world
events. The antediluvians saw no evidence of the Flood 'in earth
or sky. They evidently did not remember how the heavens and
the earth had been created (Ps. 33: 6), that in their own day
the heavens and the earth "were" by the word of God, and that
at this same word the course of nature could
-
be changed in a day.
"The, bright rays of the morning. seemed to speak only pros-
perity and peace to the cities of th,e plain. The stir of active
life began in the streets; men were
-
going their various ways,
intent on the business or the pleasures of the day. The sons-in-
20
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
LESSON.Jal-- The Coming of the Lord
II t9
3
AUGUST L5,-494*
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sabbath
I
Read the lesson scripture
Sunday
2..
Manner of His coming
ques. 1-3;
note Al
Monday
3
The Christian's attitude
(Ines. 4-7;
-notes.2-4.
Tuesday
Z,t
Make peace with God
Ctues. S.41
Wednesday
Beware and grow
ques. 12-10
Thursday C
Means of growth; result
gum 17-20;
ate5._
Friday
/
Review the e;tit, lesson
LESSON SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 3: io-18
Questions
t. How will the Lord come? 2 Peter 3: io.
2.
What is the meaning of the comparison "as a thief
in the night"? 1 Thess. 5: 2. Note T.
3.
Upon whom will the day of the Lord not come
thus? Verse 4.
4.
What phenomena in the heavens and the earth
will accompany that event ? 2 Peter 3 : to. Note
2.
5.
In view of this event, what question is asked the
believer? Verse 11.
6.
What bearing does the approaching dissolution of
all these things have on spiritual .earnestness? Note 3.
7.
What should be the Christian's attitude toward the
coming of the Lord? Verse 12. Note 4.
8.
For what renewal of material things may we look?
What will dwell there? Verse 13.
9.
What bearing should such a prospect have on the
spiritual life? Verse 14.
1o. How should we reckon the long-suffering of the
22
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
as we are exhorted, it will surely lead to our helping hasten
that great event.
5. Grace comes by faith. It is exercised toward us by apply-
ing the righteousness of Christ to cover our sin.. It is multi-
plied through the increase of experimental knowledge of God.
Topical Studies on Well-Known. Duties
Based on Exhortations in the Second Epistle of Peter
7
LESSON,..dli— Carefulness in the Christian Walk as
the End Draws Near
AUGUST 22,-1914*
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sunday
/
Monday
.1
-
-
3
Tuesday
4
1_
Wednesday
Thursday
::.
I
',
Friday
7
/
1
The blessed hope
A warning
,
-----
(fT,;;'
--
----,,__
,
u„,a,/, A4„,.;_,4
a
,----, ...
.A.A--r-V C:.
I
1
How should we regard timeT,-S.--'
Our daily need
A special privilege;
exhortations
Review the mare lesson
Ques. 1-3;
Q,ues. 4,0
milimea...,
-
Ques. 8, 9
Ques. 10, 11;
,note.3.
Ques. 12-14; ,
-nate-4-
Questions
1.
In
view of the fact that all earthly things are soon
to be dissolved, what searching question are we to ask
ourselves ? 2 Peter 3 : I I.
2.
What influence will the genuine possession of the
"blessed hope" have upon the life? i John 3 : 2, 3.
Note 1.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
23
3.
Upon what is the heart to be set? Col. 3: 2-4.
4.
What caution is given us who know these truths
of the near coming of the Lord?
2
Peter 3: 17.
5.
What is said of the peril of self-confidence? I Cor.
10 :
12.
6.
How only may we retain possession of the truths
that we know ? Heb.
2 :
1. Note
2.
7.
Therefor; of what do those who know the truth
stand continually in need? 2 Peter I :
12,
13.
8.
In view of the times in which we live, what ex-
hortation is appropriate? Rom. r3: II,
12.
9.
How should we regard time itself ?
Ans.—
As a
gift from God to be used to His glory. Ps. 90 :
12 ;
Eph.
5 : 15, 16.
1o. By what alone can the daily need of the soul be
supplied? Matt. 4: 4; John 5 : 39. Note 3.
1. Along with the feeding upon God's word, what
other means of spiritual strength is given? Eph. 6: 18.
12.
What is said of the privilege of church fellowship
and attendance at the place of worship in the last days ?
Heb. 1o: 23-25.
13.
What exhortations are given regarding the influ-
ence of example on those within and without the church?
Heb.
12 : 13 ;
Col. 4: 5, 6. Note 4. •
14.
In what spirit are believers to await the day of re-
demption ? Eph. 4 : 30-32.
Notes
I. The real, living hope of soon meeting Jesus transforms
and shapes the whole life. By faith we see Jesus hastening
forward His closing work in order that. He may come again.
He is preparing a place for us in the heavenly city. John
14: 1-3. He is making intercession for us before the Father's
throne, that we may be prepared for the place. Heb. 7: 25.
And our attitude is one of watching for His coming—"looking
for that blessed hope." Titus 2: 13. Now we must do the work
He has left us to do, and be ready to meet Him.
24
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
2.
Notice the marginal reading of the text, "run out as leak-
ing vessels." Unless the truths that we know, are kept living
and bright in our hearts by daily personal experience in the
Lord, the level of our "love of the truth" will be found sinking
lower and lower, imperceptibly perhaps, as water sinks slowly
in a leaking vessel. The Revision puts it, "Lest haply we drift
away from them." No ships drift into port, but it is easy to
drift with tide and current or storm out of the harbor of safety.
3.
We can 'no more expect to be spiritually strong without
feeding the soul upon the word of God, than physically strong
without eating our daily food. Take some Scripture portion
into every day's work, and let it speak to the heart again and
again amidst the hurry of business. It will keep the thought
of God near.
4.
Every believer is marking out a path for some one else. A
Swiss mountaineer starting out from home along a familiar way
by the edge of a precipice, with little thought of where he was
stepping, was startled to hear a child's voice crying, "Be care-
ful where you step, papa, for I am following you." All are
setting steps for some one to follow. And let us carry a burden
for the straying who should not have turned out of the way
for any one's misstep. Jesus has set the path, and He is never
to blame for anybody's failure. He is the one to follow, having
left "us an example, that ye should follow His steps." I
Peter
2 : 21.
LESSON IX — Sabbath-Keeping
•
Au4us-T-29
5
-4944 Ze.P...0.43)-4 /,
2
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sunday
/
Monday
1
'
.
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
Thursday 5
_..-- --.
-
7.
-
.
,
--
-
•---
' Friday
7
Ignorance in the last days
Creative power
A special message
The Sabbath day
.
The preparation day;
.
a blessing promised
Review the ept4re lesson
Ques. 1, 2
Ques. 3, 4
Ques. 5-7;
•
imues.1,2
Ques. S-14;
note-3
-
Ques. 15-17;
.note.4-...
26
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
Notes
T. The burden of the message of Revelation 14 is a call to
"worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea," etc.
This is a plain reference to the terms of the fourth command-
ment. It is the Creator who is to he recognized in worship,
whose sign or memorial is His holy Sabbath. The warning of
the last gospel message is against giving homage to the apostasy,
whose sign or mark is the rival day, Sunday.
2.
The Lord placed a blessing on -the Sabbath day, and those
who keep it find the blessing. We hear this testimony from men
and women in all lands. The Sabbath is a blessed gift from
God to men — something given to us, not a day taken from us,
as appears to unbelief.
3.
Some people object, "Do you think Sabbath-keeping will
save you?" Not at all. In fact, we must be saved from sin by
faith in Jesus in order truly to keep the Sabbath. So it is with
obedience to all God's commandments. We are not saved be-
cause we obey, but we obey because we have found the saving
grace of Christ. The call to keep the Sabbath holy is in a direct
way a call to holiness of life and the putting away of sin.
4.
"God requires that His holy day be as sacredly observed
now as in the time of Israel. The command given to the He-
brews should be regarded by all Christians as an injunction from
Jehovah to them. The day before the Sabbath should be made
a day of preparation, that 'everything may be in readiness for its
sacred hours. In no case should our own business be allowed
to encroach upon holy time. God has directed that the sick and
suffering be cared for ; the labor required to make them com-
fortable is a work of mercy, and no violation of the Sabbath;
but all unnecessary work should be avoided. Many carelessly
put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that might
have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be.
Work that is neglected until the beginning of the Sabbath should
remain undone until it is past. This course might help the
memory of these thoughtless ones, and make them careful to
do their own work on the six working-days."—"Patriarchs and
-Prophets," page 296.
SABBATH-SCHOOL
LESSON QUARTERLY
27
LESSON X — Returning to God the Tithe
SEPTEMBER 3,
5'1
9
1
4' f
c
,
2 '
.1
)
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sund
/
ay
/
Monday
2.
i
/
Turday
3
I
W
nesda3r
I
Thursday 6 ....
F
r
iday
.
2
,
1
A high standard set
Profaning holy things
The tithe is holy
A temptation and a promise;
origin of the tithing system
Use of the tithe
-
..
Review the nintime..lestOn
Ques. 1, 2
Ques. 3-5,
Qu es. 6-9;,
latte10.,_2.-
Ques. 10-13;
1
}Mtm.8
—
Ques. 14, 15;
,...t..A
Questions
1.
In view of the approaching end, what exhortation
is given us through Peter?
2
Peter 3:
14.
2.
What is Christ's aim for His church? Eph.
-5'.26, 27.
"
3. Against what must every soul take precaution ?
What word is used to describe Esau? Heb.
12:
15,
16.
4.
What is it to profane the holy things of God?
Eze.
22 : 26.
5.
When men treat the Sabbath as a day for common
use, what are they doing? Verse 8.
6.
In what matter besides the Sabbath of the Lord
may men profane God's holy things ? Lev. 27 : 30, 32.
7.
To whom does the tithe belong? Verse 3o. Note 1.
8.
What does the Lord call the taking, for common
use, of that which He has reserved for Himself ?
Mal. 3 : 8.
9.
What is the Lord's appeal and promise to His
people in this matter? Verse to. Note
2.
IO.
*
What
may some be.tempted to say, as they see un-
believers prosper while still refusing to recognize God's
ownership of all things? Verses
14,
15.
28
SABBATH-SCHOOL. LESSON QUARTERLY
1. But to what time is the Lord looking forward, as
He exhorts to faithfulness in tithes and offerings?
Verses i6-i8.
12.
Did God's claim to the tenth of every man's in-
come originate with the Levitical system? Gen. 14:
18-20. Note 3.
13.
Under what order of priesthood are we? Heb.
5 : 5, 6.
14.
To what purpose has the Lord dedicated the tithe?
Num. 18:.
21 ; I
Cor. 9 : 13, 14. Note 4.
15.
What are we doing in devoting our means to the
work of God? Matt. 6: 19-21.
Notes
1.
The Lord reserved one day of the week from common use
by man, and made it holy, to, be kept by man in recognition of
the Creator's sovereignty over all. So He has reserved one
tenth of man's income as His, to be returned to God in recog-
nition of the Lord's ownership of all things. "It is He that
giveth thee power to get wealth." Deut. 8: i8.
2.
"All the tithes." The Revision renders it, "Bring ye the
whole tithe into the storehouse." The word "tithe" means a.
tenth. It does not meet His call„ to bring a twentieth, or a
thirtieth. The Lord asks for "the whole tithe." We are to
bring to the Lord's treasury, the treasury of His church, a tenth
of all our income.
3.
This record shows the payment of tithes over four hundred
years before the establishing of the Levitical service. And the
text suggests that the devoting of the tithe to God's service was
not a new thing even to Abraham. It is treated as an obligation
well known to Abraham, the father of the faithful. Later, when
Jacob made his vow to God, he said, "Of all that Thou shalt
give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee." Gen. 28: az.
These patriarchs, with whom God held communion, were taught
to reserve the tithe as the Lord's.
4.
"Even so," says the Scripture. Just as the tithe was set
apart by God in old time for the service of the sanctuary, "even
so" the gospel ministry is to be supported in the carrying
.
of the
message of salvation to all the world. The priests paid a tithe
of their income, as well as the people. Num. 18: 26. All
are
to recognize God's ownership.
•
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
29
"Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe to use according
to their own judgment. They are not to use it for themselves
in any emergency, nor to apply it as they see fit, even in what
they may regard as the Lord's work. . . . The minister should,
by precept and example, teach the people to regard the tithe as
sacred. He should not feel that he can retain and apply it ac-
cording to his own judgment because he is a minister. It is
not his. . . . Let him not give his influence to any plans for
diverting from their legitimate use the tithes and offerings dedi-
cated to God. Let them be placed in His treasury, and held
sacred for God's service as He has appointed."— Mrs. E. G.
White, in
Review and Herald,
November to, 1896.
—
LESSON XI — Heatth and Temperance
SEPTEMBER
r2,
1914.
DAILY STUDY OUTLINE
Sunday
i
Temperance
Ques. 1-3;
nate4--
Monday
Q.
The experience of the Christian
(Imes.
4-6
Tuesday
3
A great principle
sues. 7-9;
uotes-2;3—
Wednesdayit
Lessons from the past
Ques. 10-12;
nates_40-
Thursday
Temperance in all things
Ques. 13-16
Friday
7
Review the ertre lesson
Questions
I.
What do we receive through the knowledge of
Christ ?
2
Peter I :
3.
2.
What quality especially touching the physical being
is listed by Peter among the Christian virtues ? Verse 6.
3.
Of what is temperance a fruit? Gal. 5:
22, 23.
Note 1.
4.
Through what experience does the Christian pass?
Verses 24, 25.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
37
9. What may we learn from the way in which Christ
worked with individuals ?
Ans.—
To begin by finding
something in the person which we can commend. John
I : 42-47. Note 5.
1o. What is another important principle to be followed
in personal work?
Ans.—
To begin with that in which
the individual is interested, and from that lead to that
which concerns his salvation. John 4:7-To; 6 : 26, 27,
34, 35 ; Luke 5 : 4-6, TO. Note 6.
1. Why is personal work often. found the hardest to
do?
Ans.—
Because Satan knows it is the most effective.
Eph. 6: 12. Note 7.
Notes
i. God has given to every man a free will, to choose to follow
good or evil. It is the will of God that every one should choose
to follow Him, but not all accept this will of God as their guide
and director. He commissions those who accept His will as
theirs, to labor to bring others to accept it too.
2.
"The words, 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel
to every creature' (Mark i6:15), are spoken to each one of
Christ's followers. All who are ordained unto the life of Christ
are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. The
same longing of soul that He felt for the saving of the lost
is to be manifest in them."—"Testimonies for the Church," vol-
time 8, page i6.
3.
"The case of Philip and Nathanael is an example of true
holm missionary work. Philip had seen Jesus,. and was con-
vinced that He was the Messiah. In his joy he wished his friends
also to know the good news. He desired that the truth which
had brought such comfort to him should be shared by Nathanael.
True grace in the heart will always reveal its presence by diffu-
sing itself. Philip went in search of Nathanael, and as he called,
Nathanael answered from his place of prayer under the fig-tree.
Nathanael had not had the privilege of listening to the words of
Jesus, but he was being drawn toward Him in spirit. He longed
for light, and was at that moment sincerely praying for it. . .
At Philip's invitation, Nathanael sought and found the Saviour,
and in his turn joined in the work of winning souls to Christ."—
"Testimonies for the Church," volume 6, page 428.
4.
The need of the one blind man called forth the sympathy
and help of the Saviour; He went sixty miles to help one who
38
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
was in need; He crossed the sea to save another; He recrossed
the sea to help one woman and one child. The Saviour was
always ready to spend and be spent for the one soul who might
need His help.
5.
"The use of hearty commendation is common in Christ's
earthly ministry. The surest way to drive men from us is to
begin with condemnation or criticism. It is not reasonable to
suppose that we can win men to ourselves or to Christ if we
begin by telling them of their sins. Christ did not work that
way. He never began His message to any individual or group of
persons by condemnation of sin. He did not hesitate to denounce
sin and sinful persons under certain circumstances; . . . but
when Jesus set out to win a person to Himself, it seemed to be
His resolute purpose to find something in that one which He
could commend, and then to commend it in all heartiness.
"For example, the men whom Jesus first invited to follow Him
undoubtedly had as glaring sins and as obvious defects as most
of us have to-day. Those imperfections must have been quite as
much of a trial to Jesus as our fellows' shortcomings are to us.
But He did not commence by telling them of this, nor did He
seek to help them at the outset by showing them what was wrong
with them. His first recorded word to faulty Simon was, 'Thou
art Simon the son of Jona : thou shalt be called Rock' ; as though
to say, 'for you deserve a stalwart name.' So with another of
the disciples: there is no reason to suppose that Jesus could not
have found, and did not see, any sin in Nathanael; but instead
of condemning that which was there, Jesus' first word was an
outspoken, hearty admiration of this man, in that he was par-
ticularly free from craftiness, or deceit. . . . We must learn to
work in that way, if we would take men alive as Christ did. We
shall never lose, but always gain, in our influence for Christ, if
we determinedly seek that which can
be
commended in one whom
we would win, and speak heartily of it."—"Taking Men Alive,"
pages 176, 177.
6.
One of the principles on which Christ worked was that of
giving the present interest of the one with whom He worked
prominent place to begin with. An instance of this is found in
the first miraculous draft of fishes and the.call to the fishermen.
With the woman of Samaria, He commenced with a request for
a drink of water, that in which she was then interested. The
multitude who had been miraculously fed, He led from the tem-
poral bread in which they were interested to the Bread of heaven.
In the same manner we must, if we would be successful soul-
winners, begin our work with the subjects in which the people
are interested.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLY
39
7. Dr. Trumbull was a personal worker for nearly fifty years.
Here is his testimony concerning this question: "From nearly
half a century of such practise, as I have had opportunity day by
day, I can say that I have spoken with thousands upon thousands
on the subject of their spiritual welfare. Yet, so far from my
becoming accustomed to this matter, so that I can take hold of
it as a matter of course, I find it as difficult to speak about it
at the end of these years as at the beginning. Never to the
present day can I speak to a single soul for Christ without being ,.
reminded by Satan that I am in danger of harming the cause
by introducing it just now. If there is one thing that Satan is
sensitive about, it is the danger of a Christian harming the cause
he lives by speaking of Christ to a needy soul. He [Satan] has
more than once, or twice, or thrice, kept me from speaking on
the subject by his sensitive pious caution, and he has tried a
thousand times to do so. Therefore my experience leads me to
suppose that he is urging other persons to try any method for
souls except the best one.
"Have we not the answer here to the question as to why this
work is the hardest in the world? Just because it is the most
effective work for Christ, the devil opposes it most bitterly, and
always will while he is permitted to oppose anything good. The
devil strikes hardest and most persistently at the forces which
will, if effective, hurt his cause most. . . . This, then, is what
we face when we enter upon this [personal] work. The greatest
and hardest work in the world, it will never grow easy, but it
will never grow small. If it always remains the hardest, it always
remains also the greatest."—"Taking Men Alive," pages 44-46.
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and Kindergarten departments. The outline for the S. S.
Teachers' Reading Course is given each month. Also many
other valuable suggestions for Sabbath-school officers, teach-
ers, parents, and pupils. An invaluable aid to all engaged in
Sabbath-school work.
One yearly • subscription
Two or more copies to one address, each
No subscription entered for less than one year. Address
SABBATH SCHOOL WORKER
Takoma Park Station
Washington, D. C.
"I Want a Good Missionary Biography"
Is an oft-repeated- request. The "Advance
Guard of Missions" is such a book. It,
contains the life sketches of over fifty
pioneer missionaries. The most interest-
ing incidents in the lives of these mission-
aries have been selected for this work.
Here is a partial list of the twenty-seven
chapter titles :
William Carey
Robert Morrison
The Judsons
Dr. John Scudder
Robert and Mary Moffat
David Livingstone
John Gibson Paton
J. Hudson Taylor
The book contains 347 pages.
Cloth, plain
$1.0o
Cloth, marbled edge, white side title
1.5o
50c
35c